Frequently Asked Questions

What instruments are in a string quartet?

A traditional string quartet has 2 violins, 1 viola and 1 cello. This is our recommended format simply because it provides the best possible sound, but we can pair down to trios and duos as necessary.

What does the booking process look like?

After you reach out to us and decide we’re a good fit for your event, we’ll send you a digital contract. Once you sign the digital contract, you’ll be prompted for a 25% deposit. Once we receive your signed contract and 25% deposit, your date is secure and we start planning out your music.

How far in advance should we book the quartet?

We encourage you to book as early as is feasible since the majority of spring and fall weekend dates book up rather quickly. As a general rule, we recommend booking at least 6 months prior to the date of your event. We reserve dates on a “first come, first served” basis.

Are your rates negotiable?

Due to the high caliber musician we use (which prevents any wedding mishaps due to any issues caused by inexperience), our musicians expect a certain level of payment. Our rates are non-negotiable, but be on the lookout for any promotions we are currently running!

Do you charge more to play both the ceremony and cocktail hour?

Yes. The first reason we charge extra is that the musicians will be spending more time preparing additional music as well as spending more time on-site during your event. Additionally, playing a ceremony requires a different (more-robust) skillset than a cocktail hour, so we compensate our musicians accordingly.

Do you play outdoors?

Yes. Our only concerns are the safety of the instruments and the ability to provide quality music. This means that we must be in full shade (especially in the summer), and there must be no precipitation.

How do I plan my music?

We use an online planning system called BookLive. Once your event is booked, you’ll be given access to a live music planning portal that guides you through choosing songs in our library.

Do we need to meet in person?

It is not actually necessary to meet in person. All details can be addressed over the phone, by email, or in your BookLive Planning Portal. However, if you prefer an in-person meeting, we are happy to arrange one.

Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?

It is not necessary for us to attend wedding rehearsals. We are adept in timing the music to the right length. We do recommend that you share a recording of the appropriate processional music with your wedding party so that they familiarize themselves with the piece to which they will be walking.

What time do you arrive before my event?

String quartets do not take very long to set up before we start playing. Our typical arrival time is 30 minutes prior to our first notee.

When should be the timeline and playlist finalized?

The timeline is due 2 months prior and the playlist is due 2 weeks prior.

Does the timeline need to be 100% accurate?

The timing within a wedding ceremony can be flexible. The most important timings the musicians need are the time of the first processional (typically the time printed on invitations), the prelude start time (typically 20 minutes prior), and the anticipated end time of the ceremony.

How does music during my Unity Ceremony work?

Typically, your officiant introduces the ceremony first. Once the introduction is finished, then we begin playing your chosen song while you walk over to the table, perform the ceremony (light the candle, plant the tree, etc.). Once you’re finished and arrive back at the altar, we’ll find the best place to finish our music and end gracefully. We typically do not play while the officiant speaks so as not to take anything away from the ceremony.

Will the musicians need someone to be providing cues for the procession of bridesmaids, bride and the recessional? And will they just adjust/transition through the songs based on what point we are at?

Someone providing cues will be helpful if possible. Aside from the processionals, the musicians do transition through the songs based on what point of the ceremony they’re in.